I have been trying to figure out just how I did get it. I know I'm probably driving myself crazy but I need to try and understand more to help my partner. My husband of 11 years died 4 years ago and I had no sexual contact until recently. The person with whom I was intimate is a friend of many years and I know his sexual history which was that he, until me was monogamous. I have told him now what is happening and he, like myself is absolutely floored. He's never shown any symptoms at all nor has his partner in his monogamous relationship. Yes, I feel like it's my karma that this has happened and that just makes it harder. My question is this. Could I have someone contacted this from my husband (he had shingles about 5 yrs ago but absolutely no other symptoms) and it lay dormant all this time only to be 'awakened' when I now have a sexual encounter? Seems so far fetched to me but I have to try and determine just how this may have happened. The man with whom I was intimate is supportive but mystified. I'm hurting so bad both emotionally and physically right now and trying to put pieces together. I've gone through so many of the discussion threads but haven't seen anything to address question like this. Can anyone help me re timelines and information in general?